A longtime dream for a $4 million convention center is nearing reality in Richfield.

Lawrence Construction Co. of Salt Lake City was apparent low bidder at $3,998,946, according to Richard Maxfield, superintendent of the Sevier Valley Applied Technology Center. A contract will be awarded by the Utah Department of Facilities and Construction Management.The convention center will be built at the applied technology center in western Richfield, and will be combined with additional classrooms for the institution. It will also contain a multimedia area, food services training facilities and administrative offices.

The building will include 30,000 square feet. It will contain a large room that will be used to provide food services for up to 1,000 people. Folding walls will eventually add convenience for holding meetings and educational classes.

Funding will be too short to initially include the folding walls and purchase tables, chairs, kitchen and multimedia equipment, however. Maxfield noted that increased building costs leave the project about $500,000 short of the amount needed for furnishings and equipment.

A portion of the existing building will be remodeled. Through an agreement with Richfield City officials, the city library will be moved to the tech school and will benefit area residents as well as students.

Building construction is expected to require about a year but it will take somewhat longer to complete the entire project.

A date to begin the project was not announced.

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